Thursday 19 September 2013
Sinister design to change the Hindu Heritage of Tirupati by building an Islamic University for running Jihad from nearby. Villagers alleged for a racket to occupy the lands of Hindu Temple.
Seven storied building of Heera International Islamic College (HIIC) and its Multi Project Jihadi Reseach Centers are being constructed upon an old Vishnu Temple land as alleged by the villagers.
International Islamic College coming to Tirupati; Is there a plan to stop aarti at Balaji Temple?
After we received an email from different sources indicating that Heera International Islamic University is being built near Tirupathi with pictures of seven storied construction and the architect’s view of the University building, we have approached a number of our friends and other leaders in Tirupathi and Hyderabad to investigate the accuracy of the location and the status of the building.
“All Islamic Institution and Mosques propagate ultimate Jihad to finish the existence of others (Non Muslims-Kaffirs) as per Quranic law. Building of a mosque in our locality is most dangerous than anything as it will snatch all our social, religious, economic rights and cultural life. Mosque is an existential threat to the Non Muslims. In this Heera International College, there will be four separate Mosques to be used by the male and female as meant for the in-house members and the visitors. The unholy sound of Azan and the inhumane activities of Jihad will affect the surrounding Hindu life of Tirupati Shrine and adjacent. The construction of Heera International Islamic College (HIIC) must be stopped immediately. Muslims never allow us the Temples and Pujas in their locality or in Islamic countries. So, We must stop all the Mosques and Islamic foundations in our localities.” - Upananda Brahmachari, Editor, Hindu Existence.
Furore over establishment of Islamic University in Tirupati
The Hindu Correspondent | TIRUPATI | September 14, 2013:: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has raised serious exception to the establishment of an Islamic University on the outskirts of the temple city of Tirupati.
The Heera International Islamic University is being established as an Arabic learning centre for women at a six-storied building on the banks of the Swarnamukhi at Thondavada village, 11 km from the city centre.
Speaking to the media on Friday, the party’s State official spokesperson G. Bhanuprakash Reddy demanded an explanation from the State and Central government on the setting up of the Islamic institute at a place considered sacred for Hindus.
“In recent times, there had been several intelligence reports about a looming security threat to the temple city. In such a situation, is it necessary to set up a centre dedicated to Islamic studies at the foot of the Tirumala hills?” Mr. Reddy said the party was not against the university and Islamic studies, but had serious concerns about the place where it was being established. Read full report>>>
Global Hindu Heritage Foundation (GHHF) was able to get about ten pictures of the building and the nearby places. Many of our friends have been trying to find out the sinister plans of starting Islamic College near Tirupathi. Following information is being provide for your purview :
1. The seven layer/storied building is being constructed in Chandragiri village which is about 13 kilometers from Tirupathi.
2. There is big sign posted on the main road to indicate that it is the home of “Heera International Islamic College (HIIC).” On the same sign board it is written “Women Arabic College.”
3. Down below the sign board, on the ground there is a sign “Swarnamukhi River Rejuvenation Project.” The name Chandragiri is also printed on the sign board.
4. HIIC is being built approximately in a seven-acre lot. It appears that this land is parceled into few pieces of lots.
5. It is noted that this land was acquired in 2007. Research is ongoing for the authenticity as well as the circumstances under which this land was acquired.
6. This land belonged to a VISHNU Temple, known as Timmappa Temple, with a very tall Rajagopuram according to the villagers. They were in dilapidated condition for many years.
7. We have taken TEN new pictures to indicate that they are building the HIIC in the Vishnu Temple complex. The pictures indicate the dilapidated Rajagopuram on the left side (Westside of the building).
8. It appears that HIIC never got permission to start the college. No permission was granted before they started the construction.
9. Tirupati Urban Development Authority (TUDA) area includes 70 kilometers radius from Tirupathi. Chandragiri is only 13 kilometers from Tirupati. Any construction in Chandragiri should have the prior approval from TUDA. No such permission was granted to start this construction.
10. According to TUDA zonal rules no permission to construct any building can be granted, if it has more than five layer/stories plus stilt.
11. It appears that a letter was sent to the Special officer in Collector’s Office to grant approval for permission for construction, which is totally against the Zonal rules.
12. Villagers in the area feel that some local politicians are behind this idea of constructing an Islamic College at this location.
13. Villagers feel that Vishnu Temple land is illegally occupied by HIIC and building is being constructed illegally.
Why near Tirupathi ?
Is there a plan to silence the bells and stop the aarathi at Lord Venkateswara Temple ? Is there a plan to keep buying lands as close to Balaji Temple as possible to start Minarets with high volume loud speakers announcing that “Allah is great.” Do you think that it is a far-fetched imagination ?
Please take a look at few examples of the recent times
1. The present government has asked some Temples in old Hyderabad to stop aarathi and also stop ringing the temple bells as the Muslims celebrate Eid.
2. Swami Paripoornananda was asked not to visit the Bhagya Lakshmi Temple because Muslims may be upset. He was arrested and taken in a car to have darshan only from the police car; never allowed him to get down and go to the Temple.
3. In Hyderabad, the Hanuman Temple was desecrated by throwing Beef into the Temple compound and splashing the green color water on the walls to create animosity in the community.
4. Akbaruddi Owaisi made a statement to remove the Bhagya Lakshmi Temple from the premises of Charminar in the old city. He even made a blood thirsty pronouncement that “We are 25 crores, you are 100 crores. Remove the police for 15 minutes and we will show you who has more courage and strength.”
Now you can imagine what they might do at this Holy place for Hindus!
1. For many years the Christians and Muslims have been eyeing on Tirupathi to make it their place of worship. For the last ten centuries Muslims have targeted the most auspicious places where Hindu Temples were located. They have a history of occupying, and destroying Hindu Temples and rebuild Mosques either on Top of the demolished Temples or next to these Temples because their religion teaches them to dispel Idol worshippers.
2. The Muslims headed by Ms. Aalima Shaikh Nowhera started this HIIC to provocate, demean and destroy, over a period of time, the most scared places for Hindus. Once they start this College, they will start expanding to places as close to Lord Venkateswara Temple as possible and create terror and rampage in the villages, the techniques they have perfected over the centuries.
3. Why not Hyderabad ? Chandragiri village where this HIIC is being built has less than .05 percent Muslim population. Chittoor district, where Tirupathi and Chandragiri are located, has about 9 percent Muslim population. Hyderabad city has about 40 percent Muslim population. It is only natural to think that an institution like HIIC should have been built near Hyderabad or some other major city in India.
Few examples of the possible Evil Plans at Tirupathi
1. Christians under the leadership of the then Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Mr. Y S Rajasekhara Reddy had devised a plan to break up the seven hills, make five hills as the property of the State and eventually convert it into a Christian property to build Mega churches next to Balaji Temple. In 2004 it was announced that the five hills would be taken over by the government for converting them into a picnic spot with multiplexes, food courts, commercial lots, sports centers and entertainment infrastructures including a rope-way to reach the top of the hills. The whole objective was to destroy the Hindu culture and convert Hindus into the Christian faith with malice, incentives, deception, allurement and lying.
2. Christian propaganda on Tirumala Hills has been continuing for years, with distributing the Christian pamphlets to the pilgrims on the hill and trying to convert them to Christianity. Even today no body knows how many Christians are employed. Even with a strict ordinance for TTD against the employment of other religious people, they get employment with false statements and deceptive arsenal they have in their hands.
3. Now, Muslims have joined the bandwagon to continue their unfinished business of converting Bharath into an Islamic State.
Approached Political and Community Leaders
We tried to approach different community leaders and politicians of different parties – Congress, BJP and TDP. We could not reach any Congress leader so far. TDP representative asked us to approach the concerned minister.
We were able to talk to NVSS Prabhakar, BJP leader who also started investigating the matter. He had a news conference on Friday (12th). He questioned the motive behind the construction of HIIC. He even traced the history of religious activities of Christians and Muslims in and around Tirupathi for the past ten years and their attempt to take over the Temple property and their missionary activities. More details will be forthcoming.
Who in building the Islamic University ?
Ms. Aalima Shaikh Nowhera, Heera Group is a Global Fortune Company with business in the commodity as well as educational chain. The first Muslim woman of India to lead a company, Ms Shaikh is a renowned entrepreneur. It is a business conglomerate in various economics fields.
She even received an award from Indian Economic Development and Research Association for attending a seminar on “Outstanding Achievements and National Development” in July 2013.
International Islamic College coming to Tirupati; Is there a plan to stop aarti at Balaji Temple?
After we received an email from different sources indicating that Heera International Islamic University is being built near Tirupathi with pictures of seven storied construction and the architect’s view of the University building, we have approached a number of our friends and other leaders in Tirupathi and Hyderabad to investigate the accuracy of the location and the status of the building.“All Islamic Institution and Mosques propagate ultimate Jihad to finish the existence of others (Non Muslims-Kaffirs) as per Quranic law. Building of a mosque in our locality is most dangerous than anything as it will snatch all our social, religious, economic rights and cultural life. Mosque is an existential threat to the Non Muslims. In this Heera International College, there will be four separate Mosques to be used by the male and female as meant for the in-house members and the visitors. The unholy sound of Azan and the inhumane activities of Jihad will affect the surrounding Hindu life of Tirupati Shrine and adjacent. The construction of Heera International Islamic College (HIIC) must be stopped immediately. Muslims never allow us the Temples and Pujas in their locality or in Islamic countries. So, We must stop all the Mosques and Islamic foundations in our localities.” - Upananda Brahmachari, Editor, Hindu Existence.
Furore over establishment of Islamic University in Tirupati
The Hindu Correspondent | TIRUPATI | September 14, 2013:: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has raised serious exception to the establishment of an Islamic University on the outskirts of the temple city of Tirupati.
The Heera International Islamic University is being established as an Arabic learning centre for women at a six-storied building on the banks of the Swarnamukhi at Thondavada village, 11 km from the city centre.
Speaking to the media on Friday, the party’s State official spokesperson G. Bhanuprakash Reddy demanded an explanation from the State and Central government on the setting up of the Islamic institute at a place considered sacred for Hindus.
“In recent times, there had been several intelligence reports about a looming security threat to the temple city. In such a situation, is it necessary to set up a centre dedicated to Islamic studies at the foot of the Tirumala hills?” Mr. Reddy said the party was not against the university and Islamic studies, but had serious concerns about the place where it was being established. Read full report>>>
Global Hindu Heritage Foundation (GHHF) was able to get about ten pictures of the building and the nearby places. Many of our friends have been trying to find out the sinister plans of starting Islamic College near Tirupathi. Following information is being provide for your purview :
1. The seven layer/storied building is being constructed in Chandragiri village which is about 13 kilometers from Tirupathi.
2. There is big sign posted on the main road to indicate that it is the home of “Heera International Islamic College (HIIC).” On the same sign board it is written “Women Arabic College.”
3. Down below the sign board, on the ground there is a sign “Swarnamukhi River Rejuvenation Project.” The name Chandragiri is also printed on the sign board.
4. HIIC is being built approximately in a seven-acre lot. It appears that this land is parceled into few pieces of lots.
5. It is noted that this land was acquired in 2007. Research is ongoing for the authenticity as well as the circumstances under which this land was acquired.
6. This land belonged to a VISHNU Temple, known as Timmappa Temple, with a very tall Rajagopuram according to the villagers. They were in dilapidated condition for many years.
7. We have taken TEN new pictures to indicate that they are building the HIIC in the Vishnu Temple complex. The pictures indicate the dilapidated Rajagopuram on the left side (Westside of the building).
8. It appears that HIIC never got permission to start the college. No permission was granted before they started the construction.
9. Tirupati Urban Development Authority (TUDA) area includes 70 kilometers radius from Tirupathi. Chandragiri is only 13 kilometers from Tirupati. Any construction in Chandragiri should have the prior approval from TUDA. No such permission was granted to start this construction.10. According to TUDA zonal rules no permission to construct any building can be granted, if it has more than five layer/stories plus stilt.
11. It appears that a letter was sent to the Special officer in Collector’s Office to grant approval for permission for construction, which is totally against the Zonal rules.
12. Villagers in the area feel that some local politicians are behind this idea of constructing an Islamic College at this location.
13. Villagers feel that Vishnu Temple land is illegally occupied by HIIC and building is being constructed illegally.
Why near Tirupathi ?
Is there a plan to silence the bells and stop the aarathi at Lord Venkateswara Temple ? Is there a plan to keep buying lands as close to Balaji Temple as possible to start Minarets with high volume loud speakers announcing that “Allah is great.” Do you think that it is a far-fetched imagination ?
Please take a look at few examples of the recent times
1. The present government has asked some Temples in old Hyderabad to stop aarathi and also stop ringing the temple bells as the Muslims celebrate Eid.
2. Swami Paripoornananda was asked not to visit the Bhagya Lakshmi Temple because Muslims may be upset. He was arrested and taken in a car to have darshan only from the police car; never allowed him to get down and go to the Temple.
3. In Hyderabad, the Hanuman Temple was desecrated by throwing Beef into the Temple compound and splashing the green color water on the walls to create animosity in the community.
4. Akbaruddi Owaisi made a statement to remove the Bhagya Lakshmi Temple from the premises of Charminar in the old city. He even made a blood thirsty pronouncement that “We are 25 crores, you are 100 crores. Remove the police for 15 minutes and we will show you who has more courage and strength.”
Now you can imagine what they might do at this Holy place for Hindus!
1. For many years the Christians and Muslims have been eyeing on Tirupathi to make it their place of worship. For the last ten centuries Muslims have targeted the most auspicious places where Hindu Temples were located. They have a history of occupying, and destroying Hindu Temples and rebuild Mosques either on Top of the demolished Temples or next to these Temples because their religion teaches them to dispel Idol worshippers.
2. The Muslims headed by Ms. Aalima Shaikh Nowhera started this HIIC to provocate, demean and destroy, over a period of time, the most scared places for Hindus. Once they start this College, they will start expanding to places as close to Lord Venkateswara Temple as possible and create terror and rampage in the villages, the techniques they have perfected over the centuries.
3. Why not Hyderabad ? Chandragiri village where this HIIC is being built has less than .05 percent Muslim population. Chittoor district, where Tirupathi and Chandragiri are located, has about 9 percent Muslim population. Hyderabad city has about 40 percent Muslim population. It is only natural to think that an institution like HIIC should have been built near Hyderabad or some other major city in India.
Few examples of the possible Evil Plans at Tirupathi
1. Christians under the leadership of the then Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Mr. Y S Rajasekhara Reddy had devised a plan to break up the seven hills, make five hills as the property of the State and eventually convert it into a Christian property to build Mega churches next to Balaji Temple. In 2004 it was announced that the five hills would be taken over by the government for converting them into a picnic spot with multiplexes, food courts, commercial lots, sports centers and entertainment infrastructures including a rope-way to reach the top of the hills. The whole objective was to destroy the Hindu culture and convert Hindus into the Christian faith with malice, incentives, deception, allurement and lying.
2. Christian propaganda on Tirumala Hills has been continuing for years, with distributing the Christian pamphlets to the pilgrims on the hill and trying to convert them to Christianity. Even today no body knows how many Christians are employed. Even with a strict ordinance for TTD against the employment of other religious people, they get employment with false statements and deceptive arsenal they have in their hands.
3. Now, Muslims have joined the bandwagon to continue their unfinished business of converting Bharath into an Islamic State.
Approached Political and Community Leaders
We tried to approach different community leaders and politicians of different parties – Congress, BJP and TDP. We could not reach any Congress leader so far. TDP representative asked us to approach the concerned minister.
We were able to talk to NVSS Prabhakar, BJP leader who also started investigating the matter. He had a news conference on Friday (12th). He questioned the motive behind the construction of HIIC. He even traced the history of religious activities of Christians and Muslims in and around Tirupathi for the past ten years and their attempt to take over the Temple property and their missionary activities. More details will be forthcoming.
Who in building the Islamic University ?
Ms. Aalima Shaikh Nowhera, Heera Group is a Global Fortune Company with business in the commodity as well as educational chain. The first Muslim woman of India to lead a company, Ms Shaikh is a renowned entrepreneur. It is a business conglomerate in various economics fields.
She even received an award from Indian Economic Development and Research Association for attending a seminar on “Outstanding Achievements and National Development” in July 2013.
Islamic schools in Britain forcing girls as young as 11 to wear full-face veils
- Many Islamic schools in Britain insist their pupils wear burkas or veils
- Covering up is the the 'desired dress code of a Muslim female', they say
- Theresa May says all women should be able to 'make a choice' about dress
Muslim schools all over Britain are forcing female pupils as young as 11 to wear burkas, it emerged today.
Institutions say that they are 'strict' on uniforms for their children because full-face veils are the 'desired dress code of a Muslim female'.
But campaigners believe it is 'wrong' for any child to cover their face and the Home Secretary Theresa May says that all women should be able to 'make a choice' about what they wear.
It came as a judge ruled this week that a Muslim will be allowed to stand trial with her face covered as long as it is removed while giving evidence.
The case has prompted some MPs to call for full-face veils to be banned but many Islamic schools, which have control over uniform policy, insist their pupils wear burkas.
The Madani Girls School in Tower Hamlets, East London, requires all its pupils wear a black burka and a long black coat outside.
On its website, its describes its uniform policy as 'strict' and as supporting the 'desired dress code of a Muslim female'.
Some Islamic schools in Britain force female pupils as young as 11 to wear full-face veils as part of their uniform
The school does not allow any of its 300 pupils to wear any form of makeup or jewellery.
The Ayesha Siddiqa Girls School in Southall, West London, also insists pupils wear a navy blue burka or a jilbab, which does not cover the face.
On its website, the school says its is 'not willing to compromise on any issues regarding uniform'.
Madani Girls School, in Tower Hamlets, East London, insists all pupils wear a black burka and a long black coat
It comes after Judge Peter Murphy, sitting at London's Blackfriars Crown Court, ruled it was 'crucial' for jurors to be able to see a defendant's face when giving evidence.
The 22-year-old in question, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said it is against her religious beliefs to show her face in public.
Referred to in court as 'D', she entered a not guilty plea to a charge of intimidation last week while wearing a niqab after the judge backed down from a previous decision that she would have to show her face to be properly identified.
Meanwhile the topic of wearing veils in school has dominated headlines in recent weeks after Birmingham Metropolitan College was made to retract a policy which forced pupils to remove veils while on the premises so they can be identified.
Home Office Minister Jeremy Browne has called for a national debate on whether the state should step in to prevent young women having the veil imposed upon them.
But Home Secretary Theresa May has said it is for women to 'make a choice' about what clothes they wear, including veils, although there will be some circumstances when it will be necessary to ask for them to be removed.
A student at Birmingham Metropolitan College
wears a full veil after the college reversed its position which
previously banned students from wearing niqabs so they could be 'easily
identifiable at all times'
'I think it's for women to make a choice about what clothes they wish to wear, if they wish to wear a veil that is for a woman to make a choice.
'There will be some circumstances in which it's right for public bodies, for example at the border, at airport security, to say there is a practical necessity for asking somebody to remove a veil.
'I think it's for public bodies like the Border Force officials, it's for schools and colleges, and others like the judiciary, as we've recently seen, to make a judgment in relation to those cases as to whether it's necessary to ask somebody to remove the veil'.
Muslim Men Enjoy Around 20,000 Women in Heaven: Saudi Cleric [VIDEO]
An interesting video uploaded on YouTube about a couple of hours ago reveals a Saudi cleric, declaring that Muslim men are allowed to enjoy 19,604 women in Paradise. Muhammad Ali Shanqiti is described as "Wahabi Terrorist" on YouTube.
Here is the English excerpt of the video:
"Every Muslim man gets a minimum of 2 black-eyed virgins in Heaven. Every virgin is accompanied with 70 girl servants. You are allowed [to have sexual intercourse] with the virgins and the girl servant also. For each woman who enters Heaven, you receive 70 black-eyed virgins.
There are four types of women in Heaven. First, there are those of this world who enter Heaven. Everyone comes with 70 black-eyed virgins. The 2nd type of women in Heaven is the black-eyed virgin. Each one comes with 70 girl servant. These girl servant are the 3rd type. Sorry, there are only 3 types of women in Heaven.
If you happen to get married in this world, then [in Heaven], you get your wife back from this world, along with 70 black-eyed virgins whom you are permitted to have sexual intercourse with, and each of these virgins comes with 70 girl servant.
So how many women do you get [to enjoy]? That's the minimum number.
Now, let's presume that you get married to 4 wives. Each of them comes with 70 black-eyed virgins, while each virgin comes with 70 girl servants. How many is it? May Allah help you.
Your reunion with your wife lasts for 70 earthly years. When those 70 years are about to end, another black-eyed virgin comes to you from Heaven sayng: "Oh servant of Allah, can't we get a piece of you?"
You look at her to see that she is even more beautiful than the one you are presently with. You ask her: "Who are you?" and she answers: "I'm your virgin in Heaven. Allah told you about me, saying: 'There is more of them with Us'. I am one of the 'more'."
You leave that one and move on to the next woman. May Allah help you."
Video source: YouTube/MEMRI TV//Omar Ibn-e Khetab Kafir
To contact the editor, e-mail: editor@ibtimes.comSet up a bank for bumis, gov't told
DPMM president Syed Ali Alattas made the proposal as he felt that middle class entrepreneurs were not provided for under the government's recently unveiled Bumiputera Economic Empowerment Agenda.
"The proposal is to establish a Bumiputera bank with an initial RM2 billion capital, RM1 billion from the government and another RM1 billion from the Malays," he told reporters.
Syed Ali (left) however said that his proposal was not going to be a revival of the old Bank Bumiputera.It was transformed into CIMB Bank, a commercial bank.
“We are not saying we want a second Bumiputera bank. It is because the old bank has closed,” Syed Ali said.
Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak had said on Saturday that under his BEE, the government would give RM700 million to entrepreneur fund Tekun Nasional and an additional RM300 million to finance Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) for the next five years.
However, DPMM believes the RM1 billion was insufficient hence the need for a bumiputera bank geared towards helping the middle class bumiputera enterepreneurs.
Furthermore, DPMM also suggested that the government should trim the country’s debt down to below 50 percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), starting from the next budget to be presented in October.
“The government must ensure that our debt, we cap it to 50 percent of GDP, that’s very good,” Syed Ali said. “If it reaches 55 percent, that’s considered medium... but if it exceeds that, we will be in for a hard time,” he added.
Malaysia’s debt to nominal GDP ratio reached 53 percent since 2012 and the government’s budget has been in a deficit, which means the government spends more than it collected in taxes and other revenues for the last 15 years.
Perkasa wants RM1.4 trillion for Bumis
Ibrahim Ali says it is time to reward the Malays in a big way for voting Barisan Nasional into power again.
UPDATED
KUALA LUMPUR: Malay rights group Perkasa wants the government to pump in RM1.4 trillion to Bumiputeras so that it achieves a Gross National Income (GNI) of RM900 billion by 2020.
“Right now, the GNI of Bumiputeras is RM56 million. So to achieve RM900 billion by 2020, the government must provide funds worth RM1.4 trillion to Bumiputeras,” said Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali at a press conference here.
He denied it was a racist request, claiming instead that it was in the country’s national interest to “correct what is not correct”.
“Bumiputeras comprise 67.9 percent of the population, yet we control less than 50 percent of the economy. This is not about overlooking the interests of other races,” stressed the former Pasir Mas MP.
His demand comes in the wake of Prime Minister’s new Bumiputera Economic Empowerment Agenda, which critics have accused as being unnecessary and divisive.
Responding to the criticism, Ibrahim said today: “Some accuse the Prime Minister of rewarding those who supported BN in the general election.
“I say: so what?
“It is right and proper for him (to reward Malays). In fact, he should give out bigger rewards. It is the government’s obligation to repay the Malays for their support.”
Non-Malays raking trillions
Ibrahim said non-Bumiputeras should not complain of racism, as Malays were equally “tolerant” of the fact that their non-Muslim counterparts raked in “trillions” in profits through entertainment outlets.
“We cannot go into such businesses because we are Muslims. Trillions going to the non-Malays, and we don’t kick up a fuss!”
When asked about the feasibility of his demands given the country’s mounting debts, Ibrahim said this should not be a problem.
“The first thing the government must do is make the rakyat happy. Yes, we have to reduce the budget deficit, but this should not stop the government from making the rakyat happy.”
He said the government could look into reducing subsidies that benefitted those undeserving the pay, as well as other “wastages and leakages”.
“Debts should not be a problem if we have good governance. In any case, God will help us. We are capable of doing this,” added Ibrahim.
He also suggested the government set up a second Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) for the purpose of helping Bumiputera contractors.
“We also want 30 percent of government tenders to continue being provided to Bumiputeras. But at the same time, there should be meritocracy among Bumiputeras competing for the tenders.
“We want only genuinely successful, appreciative Bumiputeras to receive the contracts,” said Ibrahim.
But he warned that should Malaysia sign the controversial Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), which is set to conclude next month, this would spell the end for the Bumi Agenda.
“Because if Malaysia signs this, it means everything is open. All the tenders are open for outsiders to come in.
“Again, Perkasa stands with the other NGOs in rejecting TPPA. There should be no compromise in this,” said Ibrahim.
UPDATED
KUALA LUMPUR: Malay rights group Perkasa wants the government to pump in RM1.4 trillion to Bumiputeras so that it achieves a Gross National Income (GNI) of RM900 billion by 2020.“Right now, the GNI of Bumiputeras is RM56 million. So to achieve RM900 billion by 2020, the government must provide funds worth RM1.4 trillion to Bumiputeras,” said Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali at a press conference here.
He denied it was a racist request, claiming instead that it was in the country’s national interest to “correct what is not correct”.
“Bumiputeras comprise 67.9 percent of the population, yet we control less than 50 percent of the economy. This is not about overlooking the interests of other races,” stressed the former Pasir Mas MP.
His demand comes in the wake of Prime Minister’s new Bumiputera Economic Empowerment Agenda, which critics have accused as being unnecessary and divisive.
Responding to the criticism, Ibrahim said today: “Some accuse the Prime Minister of rewarding those who supported BN in the general election.
“I say: so what?
“It is right and proper for him (to reward Malays). In fact, he should give out bigger rewards. It is the government’s obligation to repay the Malays for their support.”
Non-Malays raking trillions
Ibrahim said non-Bumiputeras should not complain of racism, as Malays were equally “tolerant” of the fact that their non-Muslim counterparts raked in “trillions” in profits through entertainment outlets.
“We cannot go into such businesses because we are Muslims. Trillions going to the non-Malays, and we don’t kick up a fuss!”
When asked about the feasibility of his demands given the country’s mounting debts, Ibrahim said this should not be a problem.
“The first thing the government must do is make the rakyat happy. Yes, we have to reduce the budget deficit, but this should not stop the government from making the rakyat happy.”
He said the government could look into reducing subsidies that benefitted those undeserving the pay, as well as other “wastages and leakages”.
“Debts should not be a problem if we have good governance. In any case, God will help us. We are capable of doing this,” added Ibrahim.
He also suggested the government set up a second Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) for the purpose of helping Bumiputera contractors.
“We also want 30 percent of government tenders to continue being provided to Bumiputeras. But at the same time, there should be meritocracy among Bumiputeras competing for the tenders.
“We want only genuinely successful, appreciative Bumiputeras to receive the contracts,” said Ibrahim.
But he warned that should Malaysia sign the controversial Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), which is set to conclude next month, this would spell the end for the Bumi Agenda.
“Because if Malaysia signs this, it means everything is open. All the tenders are open for outsiders to come in.
“Again, Perkasa stands with the other NGOs in rejecting TPPA. There should be no compromise in this,” said Ibrahim.
Where is my BR1M, asks bedridden man
Despite having submitted two applications, M Balakrishnan is denied BR1M financial aid despite being jobless for 12 years.
SUBANG: M Balakrishnan, 38, who had been bedridden for 12 years, was denied the Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BRIM) financial assistance, although he was eligible for the aid.
“I was a lorry driver but I met with an accident while riding my motorcycle more than a decade ago. It left my spine permanently damaged, leaving me paralysed from waist down,” he told FMT in an interview at his home in Subang.
Since the accident, Balakrishnan had been unemployed and was dependent on a RM300 per month welfare aid.
Touching on the BR1M, Balakrishnan said he made an application for the yearly financial aid scheme in 2011 but was rejected without him knowing the reason.
“After making an application, two government officials came to my place to get some details such as who is supporting me and whether I am also getting aid from others.
“After taking my details, they took off. After some checks by my family members, they found that I was deemed ineligible to receive BR1M,” he claimed.
Undeterred, Balakrishnan made a second application last year and the officers came again.
“They told me that my application for the previous year was rejected as there were others who deserved it more than I did.
“They asked me the same questions as the previous year’s and again, my application was rejected,” said Balakrishnan.
Balakrishnan was obviously upset as it did not make sense for the government to reject his application as he was unemployed and living on aid.
“BRIM was given to almost everyone I know. Even my working friends received it but I have been denied the assistance despite being bedridden,” he said.
Medical expenses
Apart from the monthy welfare aid, Balakrihnan said he receives small financial assistance from his two siblings and his 64-year-old mother.
“Once, I received funds from MIC to purchase a wheelchair to move about and a bed for home use. That’s about it. My siblings have been very helpful as they have been paying my medical bills,” he said.
Balakrishnan urged the government to reconsider giving him BR1M as he needed the funds to pay for some of his basic medical expenses.
“Medicines are not cheap these days and I cannot depend on my siblings to pay for everything.
“Besides, BRIM is supposedly to help the poor and underprivileged. I don’t understand why I am being denied the financial help,” a tearful Balakrishnan said.
SUBANG: M Balakrishnan, 38, who had been bedridden for 12 years, was denied the Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BRIM) financial assistance, although he was eligible for the aid.“I was a lorry driver but I met with an accident while riding my motorcycle more than a decade ago. It left my spine permanently damaged, leaving me paralysed from waist down,” he told FMT in an interview at his home in Subang.
Since the accident, Balakrishnan had been unemployed and was dependent on a RM300 per month welfare aid.
Touching on the BR1M, Balakrishnan said he made an application for the yearly financial aid scheme in 2011 but was rejected without him knowing the reason.
“After making an application, two government officials came to my place to get some details such as who is supporting me and whether I am also getting aid from others.
“After taking my details, they took off. After some checks by my family members, they found that I was deemed ineligible to receive BR1M,” he claimed.
Undeterred, Balakrishnan made a second application last year and the officers came again.
“They told me that my application for the previous year was rejected as there were others who deserved it more than I did.
“They asked me the same questions as the previous year’s and again, my application was rejected,” said Balakrishnan.
Balakrishnan was obviously upset as it did not make sense for the government to reject his application as he was unemployed and living on aid.
“BRIM was given to almost everyone I know. Even my working friends received it but I have been denied the assistance despite being bedridden,” he said.
Medical expenses
Apart from the monthy welfare aid, Balakrihnan said he receives small financial assistance from his two siblings and his 64-year-old mother.
“Once, I received funds from MIC to purchase a wheelchair to move about and a bed for home use. That’s about it. My siblings have been very helpful as they have been paying my medical bills,” he said.
Balakrishnan urged the government to reconsider giving him BR1M as he needed the funds to pay for some of his basic medical expenses.
“Medicines are not cheap these days and I cannot depend on my siblings to pay for everything.
“Besides, BRIM is supposedly to help the poor and underprivileged. I don’t understand why I am being denied the financial help,” a tearful Balakrishnan said.
Sodomy appeal: COA allows Shafee to lead prosecution
The Court of Appeal today allowed prominent lawyer Shafee Abdullah to appear as public prosecutor against Anwar Ibrahim's acquittal of his sodomy charge.
PUTRAJAYA: The Court of Appeal here today allowed senior lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah to appear as public prosecutor to lead the prosecution in its appeal against Anwar Ibrahim’s acquittal of his second sodomy charge.
Justice Ramly Ali chairing a three-member panel held that Muhammad Shafee’s appointment as public prosector in the appeal was valid and in accordance with the provisions of the law.
The panel, also comprising Justices Rohana Yusuf and Mohd Zawawi Salleh, unanimously dismissed Anwar’s application to have Muhammad Shafee disqualified from acting as public prosecutor in the appeal.
Justice Ramly said the Court of Appeal registry will fix the date for hearing of the prosecution’s appeal.
Muhammad Shafee was appointed by the Attorney-General by way of a “fiat” to lead the prosecution in its appeal in a bid to set aside the Kuala Lumpur High Court’s decision on Jan 9, last year which had acquitted and discharged Anwar on a charge of sodomising his former aide, Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan, 26.
Anwar, 64, was accused of committing the offence at a Desa Damansara condominium unit in Bukit Damansara between 3.10pm and 4.30pm on June 26, 2008.
In his decision, Justice Ramly said there were insufficient material to support Anwar’s assertion that Muhammad Shafee was a material witness.
“He was offered to the defence as witness but he was not called as a witness. Furthermore, the trial has concluded and there is no possibility of him being called as a witness,” he said.
Justice Ramly said therefore the issue of conflict of interest and breach of the Legal Profession Act 1976 did not arise.
He did not accept the submission made by Anwar’s lawyer Karpal Singh who questioned the legality of Muhammad Shafee’s appointment under the Criminal Procedure Code.
He said Section 379 of the Criminal Procedure Code under which he was appointed, was a good law.
Karpal Singh earlier submitted that Muhammad Shafee’s appointment under section 379 of the Criminal Procedure Code to act on behalf of the public prosecutor in the appeal was based on the law that had fallen into desuetude in view of the amendment of Section 378 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
He said Section 378 of the Criminal Procedure Code was amended on April 1, 1998 stating only a senior deputy public prosecutor or a deputy public prosecutor could conduct criminal appeals.
“Section 376 (3) and Section 378 of the Criminal Procedure Code should be read harmoniously and they are not inconsistent with each other,” said Justice Ramly.
In the proceedings today, Karpal Singh had also argued Muhammad Shafee should be prohibited from representing the prosecution because he was a material witness as he was present when Mohd Saiful met the then deputy prime minister Najib Tun Razak (now Prime Minister) in his (Najib’s) house.
He said there were more than enough able hands in the Attorney-General’s Chambers to handle the appeal without the need to waste considerable public expense to appoint Muhammad Shafee.
Muhammad Shafee defended his appointment as a prosecutor on the grounds that the trial proper was over.
“At the appeal stage, we argue based on the record of appeals and there was no other evidence to be adduced,” he said adding that his presence in Najib’s house should not be questioned as he had never met Mohd Saiful.
Muhammad Shafee said the Attorney-General was granted the power under Section 376 (3) of the Criminal Procedure Code to appoint a fit and proper person to be a full-fledged prosecutor.
At the start of today’s hearing, Karpal Singh told the court that Muhammad Shafee and Deputy Public Prosecutor Noorin Badaruddin had submitted separate affidavits in reply to Anwar’s application which they may need time to reply.
Muhammad Shafee told the court that the prosecution was withdrawing both affidavits.
Outside the court, Karpal Singh said they would appeal to the Federal Court.
PUTRAJAYA: The Court of Appeal here today allowed senior lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah to appear as public prosecutor to lead the prosecution in its appeal against Anwar Ibrahim’s acquittal of his second sodomy charge.Justice Ramly Ali chairing a three-member panel held that Muhammad Shafee’s appointment as public prosector in the appeal was valid and in accordance with the provisions of the law.
The panel, also comprising Justices Rohana Yusuf and Mohd Zawawi Salleh, unanimously dismissed Anwar’s application to have Muhammad Shafee disqualified from acting as public prosecutor in the appeal.
Justice Ramly said the Court of Appeal registry will fix the date for hearing of the prosecution’s appeal.
Muhammad Shafee was appointed by the Attorney-General by way of a “fiat” to lead the prosecution in its appeal in a bid to set aside the Kuala Lumpur High Court’s decision on Jan 9, last year which had acquitted and discharged Anwar on a charge of sodomising his former aide, Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan, 26.
Anwar, 64, was accused of committing the offence at a Desa Damansara condominium unit in Bukit Damansara between 3.10pm and 4.30pm on June 26, 2008.
In his decision, Justice Ramly said there were insufficient material to support Anwar’s assertion that Muhammad Shafee was a material witness.
“He was offered to the defence as witness but he was not called as a witness. Furthermore, the trial has concluded and there is no possibility of him being called as a witness,” he said.
Justice Ramly said therefore the issue of conflict of interest and breach of the Legal Profession Act 1976 did not arise.
He did not accept the submission made by Anwar’s lawyer Karpal Singh who questioned the legality of Muhammad Shafee’s appointment under the Criminal Procedure Code.
He said Section 379 of the Criminal Procedure Code under which he was appointed, was a good law.
Karpal Singh earlier submitted that Muhammad Shafee’s appointment under section 379 of the Criminal Procedure Code to act on behalf of the public prosecutor in the appeal was based on the law that had fallen into desuetude in view of the amendment of Section 378 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
He said Section 378 of the Criminal Procedure Code was amended on April 1, 1998 stating only a senior deputy public prosecutor or a deputy public prosecutor could conduct criminal appeals.
“Section 376 (3) and Section 378 of the Criminal Procedure Code should be read harmoniously and they are not inconsistent with each other,” said Justice Ramly.
In the proceedings today, Karpal Singh had also argued Muhammad Shafee should be prohibited from representing the prosecution because he was a material witness as he was present when Mohd Saiful met the then deputy prime minister Najib Tun Razak (now Prime Minister) in his (Najib’s) house.
He said there were more than enough able hands in the Attorney-General’s Chambers to handle the appeal without the need to waste considerable public expense to appoint Muhammad Shafee.
Muhammad Shafee defended his appointment as a prosecutor on the grounds that the trial proper was over.
“At the appeal stage, we argue based on the record of appeals and there was no other evidence to be adduced,” he said adding that his presence in Najib’s house should not be questioned as he had never met Mohd Saiful.
Muhammad Shafee said the Attorney-General was granted the power under Section 376 (3) of the Criminal Procedure Code to appoint a fit and proper person to be a full-fledged prosecutor.
At the start of today’s hearing, Karpal Singh told the court that Muhammad Shafee and Deputy Public Prosecutor Noorin Badaruddin had submitted separate affidavits in reply to Anwar’s application which they may need time to reply.
Muhammad Shafee told the court that the prosecution was withdrawing both affidavits.
Outside the court, Karpal Singh said they would appeal to the Federal Court.
Tuesday decision likely on sacked DAP man
Sacked G Asoghan seeks for reinstatement by court’s order despite being invited to the special congress to vote in fresh CEC DAP polls.
GEORGE TOWN: The Sessions Court here is expected to give decision next Tuesday on a former DAP branch leader’s writ of summons seeking a court order against his expulsion from the party.
The suit against the DAP filed by G Asoghan, who was chairman of the Jalan Bagan
Luar branch and a party delegate to national congress when he was sacked last April
23, was up for case management before the Sessions Court’s senior registrar Khairul Farhi Yusob today.
But the DAP legal team which is led by Karpal Singh requested for postponement to allow the party to resolve issues pertaining to Asoghan’s membership status by this week.
They wanted a few more days to resolve the issue in view of the invitation to Asoghan, via a notice dated Sept 4, to attend the special party congress and vote as a legitimate delegate in the party central executive committee (CEC) polls slated coming Sunday, Sept 29, 2013.
Both parties mutually agreed for the case to be heard on Tuesday, Sept 24.
Asoghan expects a reinstatement by way of consent judgment next week.
He filed his writ on June 3 seeking the court to declare his termination by the party’s fiveman disciplinary committee, comprising Tan Kok Wai, Tan Siang Piau, M Kulasegaran, P Ramasamy and Lim Hock Seng, as null and void.
Besides the five, he also named the party as the sixth defendant.
He also seeks damages, costs and other reliefs deemed fit by the court.
Kok Wai issued Asoghan a termination letter for his “act of standing as an independent candidate in the Bagan Dalam state constituency.”
The letter said the offence was a “serious breach of party discipline”.
Asoghan said the termination letter was invalid because the disciplinary committee was formed by a CEC whose election last Dec 15 was under dispute then.
In July this year the Registrar of Societies (ROS) nullified the DAP polls and called for fresh CEC election.
“DAP faces deregistration”
In its defense, the DAP has applied to strike out Asoghan’s writ by claiming that the court has no powers to hear the case as stipulated under Section 18C of the Societies Act 1966.
In its notice of application filed by Karpal on June 24, the DAP claimed that the party decision was final and cannot be challenged in court in accordance to the law.
At the court house today, Asoghan said that he could not attend the special congress and cast his vote in the CEC polls without an official letter of reinstatement of his membership from DAP.
He said his ‘unlawful’ attendance at the special congress can result the entire CEC polls as illegal and lead the party to deregistration if a member were to lodge a complaint to the ROS.
“I am a sacked member.
“How can I attend the CEC polls without an official reinstatement letter?
“I don’t want the party to be deregistered. I love the party.
“I just want reinstatement,” he told newsmen at the court house.
Besides Asoghan, there are 16 other sacked delegates, who had been invited to attend the special congress.
The party is expected resolve the issue on their membership status by this week.
Asoghan further questioned the validity of the notice for the special congress signed by Lim Guan Eng, the party’s secretary-general.
He said that Lim cannot act as the secretary-general now since the ROS had nullified the party election held in Penang on Dec 15, 2012.
“He is actually ex-sec gen, just an ordinary member,” said Asoghan.
He also insisted that the party cannot use the same pre-Dec 15 candidates’ list for the coming polls because not only it breached the DAP’s constitution but also listed John Fernandez as a candidate, who has indeed resigned from the party.
He said clause 8.6 of party constitution required the leadership to inform all branches to nominate their choice of candidates 12 weeks before a CEC election.
“How can the candidate list include a person who had left the party?
“There should be fresh nominations; fresh candidates’ list for fresh polls as ordered by ROS,” stressed Asoghan.
GEORGE TOWN: The Sessions Court here is expected to give decision next Tuesday on a former DAP branch leader’s writ of summons seeking a court order against his expulsion from the party.The suit against the DAP filed by G Asoghan, who was chairman of the Jalan Bagan
Luar branch and a party delegate to national congress when he was sacked last April
23, was up for case management before the Sessions Court’s senior registrar Khairul Farhi Yusob today.
But the DAP legal team which is led by Karpal Singh requested for postponement to allow the party to resolve issues pertaining to Asoghan’s membership status by this week.
They wanted a few more days to resolve the issue in view of the invitation to Asoghan, via a notice dated Sept 4, to attend the special party congress and vote as a legitimate delegate in the party central executive committee (CEC) polls slated coming Sunday, Sept 29, 2013.
Both parties mutually agreed for the case to be heard on Tuesday, Sept 24.
Asoghan expects a reinstatement by way of consent judgment next week.
He filed his writ on June 3 seeking the court to declare his termination by the party’s fiveman disciplinary committee, comprising Tan Kok Wai, Tan Siang Piau, M Kulasegaran, P Ramasamy and Lim Hock Seng, as null and void.
Besides the five, he also named the party as the sixth defendant.
He also seeks damages, costs and other reliefs deemed fit by the court.
Kok Wai issued Asoghan a termination letter for his “act of standing as an independent candidate in the Bagan Dalam state constituency.”
The letter said the offence was a “serious breach of party discipline”.
Asoghan said the termination letter was invalid because the disciplinary committee was formed by a CEC whose election last Dec 15 was under dispute then.
In July this year the Registrar of Societies (ROS) nullified the DAP polls and called for fresh CEC election.
“DAP faces deregistration”
In its defense, the DAP has applied to strike out Asoghan’s writ by claiming that the court has no powers to hear the case as stipulated under Section 18C of the Societies Act 1966.In its notice of application filed by Karpal on June 24, the DAP claimed that the party decision was final and cannot be challenged in court in accordance to the law.
At the court house today, Asoghan said that he could not attend the special congress and cast his vote in the CEC polls without an official letter of reinstatement of his membership from DAP.
He said his ‘unlawful’ attendance at the special congress can result the entire CEC polls as illegal and lead the party to deregistration if a member were to lodge a complaint to the ROS.
“I am a sacked member.
“How can I attend the CEC polls without an official reinstatement letter?
“I don’t want the party to be deregistered. I love the party.
“I just want reinstatement,” he told newsmen at the court house.
Besides Asoghan, there are 16 other sacked delegates, who had been invited to attend the special congress.
The party is expected resolve the issue on their membership status by this week.
Asoghan further questioned the validity of the notice for the special congress signed by Lim Guan Eng, the party’s secretary-general.
He said that Lim cannot act as the secretary-general now since the ROS had nullified the party election held in Penang on Dec 15, 2012.
“He is actually ex-sec gen, just an ordinary member,” said Asoghan.
He also insisted that the party cannot use the same pre-Dec 15 candidates’ list for the coming polls because not only it breached the DAP’s constitution but also listed John Fernandez as a candidate, who has indeed resigned from the party.
He said clause 8.6 of party constitution required the leadership to inform all branches to nominate their choice of candidates 12 weeks before a CEC election.
“How can the candidate list include a person who had left the party?
“There should be fresh nominations; fresh candidates’ list for fresh polls as ordered by ROS,” stressed Asoghan.
Second astronaut by 2016
Malaysia is studying options to send two of its astronauts to the International Space Station by 2016.
MELAKA: Malaysia is expected to send its second batch of astronauts to carry out numerous research work on the International Space Station (ISS) by 2016.
Science, Technology and Innovation Deputy Minister Dr Abu Bakar Mohamad Diah said the agencies under the ministry were working with numerous parties on the mission and direction of the programme.
“We are now studying various matters including sending two astronauts and on carrying out experiments that will benefit the nation on the ISS.
“All these have to be carefully looked into as the programme involves a hefty allocation and is not merely a space tour. We will submit a proposal to the Cabinet when everything is completed,” he said at a press conference after opening the Science4u Carnival in Air Keroh, here, today.
The one-day carnival, held to foster interest of students in science and technology was among 103 programmmes implemented by the ministry in schools nationwide.
Malaysia for the first time sent an astronaut Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor to the ISS on the Soyuz TMA-11 rocket on Oct 10, 2007 in cooperation with Russia.
He carried out numerous experiments including on cancer cells and leukaemia on the space station.
MELAKA: Malaysia is expected to send its second batch of astronauts to carry out numerous research work on the International Space Station (ISS) by 2016.Science, Technology and Innovation Deputy Minister Dr Abu Bakar Mohamad Diah said the agencies under the ministry were working with numerous parties on the mission and direction of the programme.
“We are now studying various matters including sending two astronauts and on carrying out experiments that will benefit the nation on the ISS.
“All these have to be carefully looked into as the programme involves a hefty allocation and is not merely a space tour. We will submit a proposal to the Cabinet when everything is completed,” he said at a press conference after opening the Science4u Carnival in Air Keroh, here, today.
The one-day carnival, held to foster interest of students in science and technology was among 103 programmmes implemented by the ministry in schools nationwide.
Malaysia for the first time sent an astronaut Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor to the ISS on the Soyuz TMA-11 rocket on Oct 10, 2007 in cooperation with Russia.
He carried out numerous experiments including on cancer cells and leukaemia on the space station.
Komas activist in court over Sri Lankan film
The human rights NGO alleges that this is a direct violation of freedom of speech, assembly and association, which is guaranteed under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution.
PETALING JAYA: Human rights NGO Pusat Komas today slammed Putrajaya for “the utmost form of harassment,” for charging its activist for screening the controversial documentary “No Fire Zone, the Killing Fields of Sri Lanka” on July 3.
Its director Tan Jo Hann today said its programme director Lena Hendry – one of the three arrested during the screening of the film – was asked to be in the KL Magistrate’s Court tomorrow (Sept 19) to face charges.
“This is the Malaysian authorities’ utmost form of harassment and direct violation of freedom of speech, assembly and association, which is guaranteed under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution,” Tan said in a statement.
“It is sad that Malaysia being part of the Human Rights Council should, in fact, be defenders instead of persecutors of human rights activists,” he added.
Tan urged the Home Ministry (KDN) and Attorney-General Chambers (AGC) to “come to their senses and immediately drop the charges and cease all investigations into the screening of the film.”
“There is definitely no cause to prolong this intimidation and harassment with strong arm tactics of the law and abusing government agencies against human rights defenders,” he said.
He claimed that, “No Fire Zone” was a credible and highly regarded documentary, which highlighted the atrocities committed by the government and military against its citizens.
“It did seem that the Sri Lankan government told the Malaysian authorities to stop the screening on July 3. Also, Sri Lanka embassy representatives went to the venue to try stop the screening,” he said.
“Ironically, the Malaysia authorities seemed to be sending the message that they are “closing one eye” and sometimes both eyes to films that actually incite racism and discrimination,” he said, adding that “the government often endorsed and even funded these productions, which were also allowed to be screened in public cinemas nationwide.”
Home Ministry, police and Immigration Department personnel raided the venue on July 3, leading to the arrest of Lena, Komas executive director Arul Prakash and director Anna Har.
The trio were released on bail and slated to appear at the Magistrates’ court on Aug 6. However, Arul received a call from KDN officer Akilah Bakri on Aug 5 informing them that charges had not been filed against them thus, were not required to appear at the court the next day.
Akilah also informed the trio that KDN would be contacting them after the Hari Raya holiday.
Today, KDN issued a notice informing Komas that Lena would be charged at the Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.
Tan had previously described the initial arrest of the trio during the film screening as “unnecessary and nonsensical.”
“Now, to ridiculously proceed with this travesty of justice by charging Lena in court is proof that the KDN and Attorney-General’s Chambers are bullies with total disregard of universal human rights principles and worse of all, the Malaysian Constitution.”
PETALING JAYA: Human rights NGO Pusat Komas today slammed Putrajaya for “the utmost form of harassment,” for charging its activist for screening the controversial documentary “No Fire Zone, the Killing Fields of Sri Lanka” on July 3.Its director Tan Jo Hann today said its programme director Lena Hendry – one of the three arrested during the screening of the film – was asked to be in the KL Magistrate’s Court tomorrow (Sept 19) to face charges.
“This is the Malaysian authorities’ utmost form of harassment and direct violation of freedom of speech, assembly and association, which is guaranteed under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution,” Tan said in a statement.
“It is sad that Malaysia being part of the Human Rights Council should, in fact, be defenders instead of persecutors of human rights activists,” he added.
Tan urged the Home Ministry (KDN) and Attorney-General Chambers (AGC) to “come to their senses and immediately drop the charges and cease all investigations into the screening of the film.”
“There is definitely no cause to prolong this intimidation and harassment with strong arm tactics of the law and abusing government agencies against human rights defenders,” he said.
He claimed that, “No Fire Zone” was a credible and highly regarded documentary, which highlighted the atrocities committed by the government and military against its citizens.
“It did seem that the Sri Lankan government told the Malaysian authorities to stop the screening on July 3. Also, Sri Lanka embassy representatives went to the venue to try stop the screening,” he said.
“Ironically, the Malaysia authorities seemed to be sending the message that they are “closing one eye” and sometimes both eyes to films that actually incite racism and discrimination,” he said, adding that “the government often endorsed and even funded these productions, which were also allowed to be screened in public cinemas nationwide.”
Home Ministry, police and Immigration Department personnel raided the venue on July 3, leading to the arrest of Lena, Komas executive director Arul Prakash and director Anna Har.
The trio were released on bail and slated to appear at the Magistrates’ court on Aug 6. However, Arul received a call from KDN officer Akilah Bakri on Aug 5 informing them that charges had not been filed against them thus, were not required to appear at the court the next day.
Akilah also informed the trio that KDN would be contacting them after the Hari Raya holiday.
Today, KDN issued a notice informing Komas that Lena would be charged at the Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.
Tan had previously described the initial arrest of the trio during the film screening as “unnecessary and nonsensical.”
“Now, to ridiculously proceed with this travesty of justice by charging Lena in court is proof that the KDN and Attorney-General’s Chambers are bullies with total disregard of universal human rights principles and worse of all, the Malaysian Constitution.”
Why are our English teaching standards so low?
SEPT 16 — Recently we heard that out of 60,000 English teachers nationwide, about 70 per cent of them did poorly when sitting for the English Language Cambridge Placement Test.
Last Monday, Education Minister II Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh said these English language teachers, classified as “unfit” to teach the subject, had been sent to courses to improve their command of English.
“The ministry will also consider sending them overseas for exchange programmes to take up TESL (Teaching of English as a Second Language) courses,” a news report quoted him as saying, while adding that a good portion of these teachers had enrolled in local English courses.
Well, now talk last year of Malaysia possibly importing English teachers from India is put in a different perspective. But the core of the problem is also brought to light — what’s up with our teacher recruitment process?
While I am all for continuous self-improvement whatever your job title is, these “unfit” teachers have no business teaching English in the first place. If they are unfit to teach English to our kids and have to be trained further to be good enough, how is it that they became English teachers in the first place?
The fact that such a large proportion of our English teachers are so poor at what they are supposed to teach speaks poorly of the entire teacher selection process. One wonders how low the bar for entry is if more than two thirds of those selected by the process are then found incapable of teaching the language.
While the issues surrounding the teaching of English in Malaysia is not limited to the proficiency of the teachers — they cover, among others, the average Malaysian’s negative mentality towards English as well as our misguided teaching approach — proficiency and competency nevertheless remains a core issue.
In a complex equation where every variable needs to be up to par in order to produce good results, getting teachers who know their English well is relatively basic compared to, say, revamping the teaching approach in the classroom or tailoring our education syllabus to cater to different competency levels of students from different backgrounds.
Forget last year’s silly talk of importing English teachers from India. If our recruitment standards at home for local English teachers remain as low as they apparently are, how do we move forward from here?
How do we progress in tackling declining English standards among our students and graduates if such a simple aspect — teacher proficiency and competency — is neglected?
Therefore there must be measures to tighten up the recruitment process and raise the bar for entry into the English teaching profession. Let us hope this is on the minister’s agenda.
In addition, if so many of our teachers are not up to mark, is it worth all that money to send all of them to courses and exchange programmes overseas?
Courses and exchange programmes, which I presume would involve government funds, would be costly. These teachers would still be on the payroll while they study.
If they were not qualified to teach English in the first place, why bother training them further? Will they even come close to a desirable proficiency level after these training programmes when mastering English takes years for most people?
Would it not be more cost-effective to slowly cut away the deadweight and instead use the ministry’s resources to hire better, more competent people who do not require extensive, expensive training just to be able to do their jobs properly?
Continuing with “retraining” for so many teachers who weren’t meant to be hired as English teachers in the first place is like throwing good money after bad. And money is not unlimited, especially given the economic climate and fiscal issues we are facing.
I for one hope that the Education Ministry marshalls its resources better, because our students’ futures — and by extension ours and the nation’s — are at stake here. We need better English teachers today, not tomorrow or whenever these teachers have been to more courses.
* This is the personal opinion of the columnist.
Last Monday, Education Minister II Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh said these English language teachers, classified as “unfit” to teach the subject, had been sent to courses to improve their command of English.
“The ministry will also consider sending them overseas for exchange programmes to take up TESL (Teaching of English as a Second Language) courses,” a news report quoted him as saying, while adding that a good portion of these teachers had enrolled in local English courses.
Well, now talk last year of Malaysia possibly importing English teachers from India is put in a different perspective. But the core of the problem is also brought to light — what’s up with our teacher recruitment process?
While I am all for continuous self-improvement whatever your job title is, these “unfit” teachers have no business teaching English in the first place. If they are unfit to teach English to our kids and have to be trained further to be good enough, how is it that they became English teachers in the first place?
The fact that such a large proportion of our English teachers are so poor at what they are supposed to teach speaks poorly of the entire teacher selection process. One wonders how low the bar for entry is if more than two thirds of those selected by the process are then found incapable of teaching the language.
While the issues surrounding the teaching of English in Malaysia is not limited to the proficiency of the teachers — they cover, among others, the average Malaysian’s negative mentality towards English as well as our misguided teaching approach — proficiency and competency nevertheless remains a core issue.
In a complex equation where every variable needs to be up to par in order to produce good results, getting teachers who know their English well is relatively basic compared to, say, revamping the teaching approach in the classroom or tailoring our education syllabus to cater to different competency levels of students from different backgrounds.
Forget last year’s silly talk of importing English teachers from India. If our recruitment standards at home for local English teachers remain as low as they apparently are, how do we move forward from here?
How do we progress in tackling declining English standards among our students and graduates if such a simple aspect — teacher proficiency and competency — is neglected?
Therefore there must be measures to tighten up the recruitment process and raise the bar for entry into the English teaching profession. Let us hope this is on the minister’s agenda.
In addition, if so many of our teachers are not up to mark, is it worth all that money to send all of them to courses and exchange programmes overseas?
Courses and exchange programmes, which I presume would involve government funds, would be costly. These teachers would still be on the payroll while they study.
If they were not qualified to teach English in the first place, why bother training them further? Will they even come close to a desirable proficiency level after these training programmes when mastering English takes years for most people?
Would it not be more cost-effective to slowly cut away the deadweight and instead use the ministry’s resources to hire better, more competent people who do not require extensive, expensive training just to be able to do their jobs properly?
Continuing with “retraining” for so many teachers who weren’t meant to be hired as English teachers in the first place is like throwing good money after bad. And money is not unlimited, especially given the economic climate and fiscal issues we are facing.
I for one hope that the Education Ministry marshalls its resources better, because our students’ futures — and by extension ours and the nation’s — are at stake here. We need better English teachers today, not tomorrow or whenever these teachers have been to more courses.
* This is the personal opinion of the columnist.
Malaysia-Singapore Ties Should Be Continuously Nourished - Tuanku Abdul Halim
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 (Bernama) -- Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul
Halim Mu'adzam Shah has expressed confidence that the ties binding
Malaysia and Singapore will continue to be nourished at every level,
including among the young generation.
At the same time, the Malaysian monarch hoped that both sides would continue to promote mutual respect and understanding so that these linkages would be much stronger in the years to come.
Speaking at a state banquet in honour of visiting Singapore President Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam here Wednesday night, the king noted that over the years, Malaysia and Singapore had stood side by side, collaborating on many aspects that were mutually beneficial to both countries.
These covered areas such as trade and investment as well as tourism.
He said enhancing further connectivity and accessibility across border would definitely bring Malaysians and Singaporeans much closer.
"This augurs well for our already established close friendship and kinship. Beyond that, it will stimulate more business links and generate multiplier effects on greater social-economic development for the two countries," he said.
The banquet held at Istana Negara in the Malaysian capital was also graced by Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Hajah Haminah.
Also present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor as well as Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Dr Tan began a three-day official visit to Malaysia today. He is accompanied by his wife, Mary Tan.
Meanwhile, the Singaporean president said with the improved relations, Malaysia and Singapore were enjoying greater cooperation across many fields, including transport, communications, arts, culture and education.
He said that improved bilateral connectivity through projects such as the proposed high speed rail link would further enhance economic cooperation and people-to-people interaction.
"We are dreaming big together, so our people will gain an enriching and secure future together," he said.
On a broader regional perspective, Dr Tan said Malaysia and Singapore also cooperated closely in Asean and that both shared a common vision of a prosperous, strong and united regional grouping.
He said Singapore looked forward to Malaysia's chairmanship of Asean in 2015 and to working together with Malaysia and other member states to realise the Asean Community.
At the same time, the Malaysian monarch hoped that both sides would continue to promote mutual respect and understanding so that these linkages would be much stronger in the years to come.
Speaking at a state banquet in honour of visiting Singapore President Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam here Wednesday night, the king noted that over the years, Malaysia and Singapore had stood side by side, collaborating on many aspects that were mutually beneficial to both countries.
These covered areas such as trade and investment as well as tourism.
He said enhancing further connectivity and accessibility across border would definitely bring Malaysians and Singaporeans much closer.
"This augurs well for our already established close friendship and kinship. Beyond that, it will stimulate more business links and generate multiplier effects on greater social-economic development for the two countries," he said.
The banquet held at Istana Negara in the Malaysian capital was also graced by Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Hajah Haminah.
Also present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor as well as Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Dr Tan began a three-day official visit to Malaysia today. He is accompanied by his wife, Mary Tan.
Meanwhile, the Singaporean president said with the improved relations, Malaysia and Singapore were enjoying greater cooperation across many fields, including transport, communications, arts, culture and education.
He said that improved bilateral connectivity through projects such as the proposed high speed rail link would further enhance economic cooperation and people-to-people interaction.
"We are dreaming big together, so our people will gain an enriching and secure future together," he said.
On a broader regional perspective, Dr Tan said Malaysia and Singapore also cooperated closely in Asean and that both shared a common vision of a prosperous, strong and united regional grouping.
He said Singapore looked forward to Malaysia's chairmanship of Asean in 2015 and to working together with Malaysia and other member states to realise the Asean Community.
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